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Small-scale wind turbines up to 50 kilowatts in capacity (manufacturer's maximum rating) are typically deployed as single turbine installation providing electrical energy directly to homes, small businesses, farms, telecommunications dishes, or water pumps. These may be configured to feed directly to the end user of the electrical energy and may be able to take advantage of net metering laws allowing wind generation in excess of on-site load to be sold back to the local utility under certain conditions in each New England state. They may also supply off-the-grid, remote use. Small turbines are sometimes used in connection with diesel generators, batteries, and photovoltaic systems. These systems are called hybrid wind systems and are typically used in remote, off-grid locations where a connection to the utility grid is not available.
While the general technology and concepts are the same, small wind differs from larger, commercial wind farms in terms of economics and siting. The cost of energy of small wind is generally greater than from a larger wind facility or purchasing wind energy from the market. Nevertheless, small wind can become cost effective when sited appropriately and when directly displacing retail electricity. Specific on-site reliability and back-up needs may further improve the economics. Small wind, like on-site solar, can provide satisfaction to end users who produce their own energy.
Siting issues will need to be addressed up front in any small wind installation. Local and state codes will dictate the level of public comment, setback, tower height restrictions, and other requirements.
General Information on Small Wind
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U.S. DOE's Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Web site provides tools and information to help you evaluate small wind turbines for your home or small business.
Building a Market for Small Wind: The Break-Even Turnkey Cost of Residential Wind Systems in the United States (PDF 146 KB) Download Adobe Reader
Edwards, J.L., Wiser,R. , Bolinger, M., and Forsyth, T. Presented at Global Windpower, Chicago, Illinois. LBNL-54865. March 2004. A study on the economics of residential-scale wind systems. Evaluating State Markets for Residential Wind Systems: Results from an Economic and Policy Analysis Tool (PDF 812 KB) Download Adobe Reader
Edwards, J., Wiser, R., and Bolinger, M. LBNL-56344. December 2004. -
Lists incentives for small wind systems.
Small Wind Events and Newsletter
The Interstate Renewable Energy Council maintains a calendar specifically for small wind events and publishes a quarterly Small Wind Newsletter
Small Wind Economic Model
The Small Wind Economic Model is a spreadsheet tool that can help you analyze the economics of a small wind electric system and decide whether wind energy will work for you.
Zoning for Small Wind Webinars
This Webinar series is hosted by the American Solar Energy Society (ASES) Small Wind Division. It offers interested small wind installers, potential buyers, advocates, decision makers, and others the opportunity to learn about issues related to the zoning of small wind systems (up to 100 kW).
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Presented at the ASES Small Wind Division Webinar, January 17, 2008.
If you would like a copy of the combined audio and visual presentation, please contact Corrie Christol.
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Presented at the ASES Small Wind Division Webinar, March 4, 2008.
Total of 73 records found.
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Date   |
State |
Type of Information |
Program Area |
Title |
More Details |
| 6/1/2006 |
 |
Publication
|
Small Wind
|
Lessons Learned from the U.S. Photovoltaic Industry and Implications for Development of Distributed Small Wind |
...more |
| 1/31/2007 |
MA |
Video
News
|
Small Wind
|
Hull Municipal Light Installs Small Wind Turbine |
...more |
| 2/19/2007 |
MA |
News
|
Small Wind
|
Push on to green-light wind power |
...more |
| 3/5/2007 |
|
News
|
Small Wind
|
Energy Efficiency Blowing Across Nation: Renewable Wind Energy Growing Trend |
...more |
| 3/12/2007 |
RI |
News
|
Small Wind
|
Tower begins measuring Tiverton for wind power |
...more |
| 3/15/2007 |
|
Publication
News
|
Small Wind
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Department of Energy Issues Best Practices for Interconnection Procedures |
...more |
| 3/19/2007 |
|
News
|
Small Wind
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National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) to Test Small Wind Turbines |
...more |
| 3/22/2007 |
|
News
|
Agricultural
Small Wind
Econ. Dev.
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2007 Notice of Funds Availability (NOFA) Inviting Applications for Renewable Energy Systems and Energy Efficiency Improvements Grants and Guaranteed Loans |
...more |
| 4/6/2007 |
|
Tool
Publication
|
Agricultural
Small Wind
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USDA Farm Bill Section 9006 Simplified Application: Small Wind Technical Worksheet |
...more |
| 4/6/2007 |
|
Tool
Publication
|
Agricultural
Small Wind
|
Sample Farm Bill Application: Guide for Small Wind Applicants |
...more |
List of Installers and Vendors
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Find information about a wide range of people and organizations who offer environmentally-friendly products and services to people in the northeastern United States (New England and the Mid-Atlantic States). The Sustainable Green Pages especially emphasize quality building practices, energy services, and sustainable transportation.
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